Abu Dhabi Investment Office Partners with Khazna for Advanced Data Centre Under Musataha Programme

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has entered into a collaboration with Khazna Data Centres (Khazna) to enhance Abu Dhabi’s data economy and bolster its status as a leading hub for technology and innovation. This partnership will see Khazna constructing a state-of-the-art data centre in Mafraq, Abu Dhabi, with an initial capacity of 30MW. This project will utilize government-owned land provided through a Musataha agreement with ADIO.

Scheduled to be operational by mid-2026, the new facility will significantly expand Abu Dhabi’s data capacity and capabilities, addressing the rising demand for data centre services in the UAE and the broader region. This development is crucial for the growth and advancement of Abu Dhabi's technology sector.

The collaboration between ADIO and Khazna is part of the Musataha programme, which uses Abu Dhabi government-owned land to drive knowledge-based economic growth. ADIO manages and facilitates investment opportunities through Musataha agreements in cooperation with other Abu Dhabi government entities. Through this long-term leasing contract, Khazna will build and operate the facility, expected to generate considerable economic activity and high-value job opportunities once operational.

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Mansoor Al Bastaki, Head of Musataha at ADIO, highlighted the significance of data in modern economies, stating, "Data in the 21st century is often compared to oil in the 18th century: an immensely valuable, yet untapped resource. At ADIO, we recognize the importance of data in propelling our present and future economy, and as such, we’re proud to support a project that will add further depth to Abu Dhabi’s digital infrastructure. As always, Musataha serves as a powerful tool to empower investors to move further and faster towards achieving their business goals while adding short-term impact and delivering long-term value for Abu Dhabi."

Both Abu Dhabi and the UAE are increasingly viewing data as a critical resource to enable efficient public services and support economic growth. Consequently, ADIO is seizing opportunities to enhance Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure capabilities to drive the growth of the digital economy.

Khazna, which currently operates 12 data centres across the UAE with a total planned capacity of 300MW, aims to add another 12 centres over the next two years. The new Mafraq facility will incorporate advanced technologies and sustainable practices, ensuring optimal performance and environmental efficiency.

Ziad Samaha, Vice President of Business Development at Khazna, remarked, "Data centres are the backbone infrastructure of everything digital and are a vital component of an effective and forward-looking economy. We are excited to collaborate with ADIO to bring this transformative project to fruition. This initiative highlights our commitment to spearheading the digital and AI ambitions of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. By expanding our network of cutting-edge hyperscale data centres through our partnership with ADIO, we are actively shaping the UAE into a prominent digital hub attracting large hyperscale organizations, fostering innovation, and driving growth in the technology sector."

ADIO offers a range of opportunities to local and international companies, granting access to Abu Dhabi’s public landbank. Musataha agreements provide rights to develop plots of land for a specified period, allowing companies to expand in the UAE’s capital. Since October 2021, ADIO has facilitated 132 Musataha agreements, demonstrating its commitment to fostering economic growth and innovation in Abu Dhabi.